Sheffield robber who used Facebook to mock police efforts to find him is still on the run

Published:13:31Friday 08 April 2016

An on-the-run robber who taunted South Yorkshire Police on the force’s Facebook page - hurling abuse and mocking the attempts to find him - has still not been found.

Sean Chamberlain was part of a gang which targeted a 4ft 3ins stage actor and was due to go on trial last month but failed to turn up.

Before the case, police issued an appeal for information on the whereabouts of the 30-year-old and posted his photograph online, after he failed to attend any hearings leading up to trial.

Chamberlain himself replied to the police appeal online – posting a series of messages mocking the force’s efforts to track him down.

He was found guilty of robbery in his absence, with Sheffield Crown Court told he was part of a gang which stole a Range Rover from victim Luke Pendlebury, who was threatened by a group of men who forced him to hand over his vehicle or risk having his house torched.

Chamberlain, of Cumberland Way, Bolton-on-Dearne, who is also known to frequent Mexborough, was sentenced to four years behind bars in his absence.

He is set to have extra time added onto his sentence when he tracked down.

Superintendent Neil Thomas, from Doncaster’s Local Policing Unit said: “Chamberlain knows he is wanted and it was made very clear in court that when we arrest him an additional sentence will be handed to him on top of the four years he already has.

“Someone in the community knows where this man is and I’d remind them that harbouring a wanted man is a criminal offence and you may also face prosecution.

“Chamberlain may think he can outrun police or outsmart the authorities and we acknowledge that he has been outstanding for a period of time, but there are a number of active enquiries to find him and bring him to justice.

“We appreciate that the wider community may be concerned about this individual being in their midst, which is why if you have any information about his whereabouts you need to come forward.

“We continue our work to tackle criminality in Mexborough and across Doncaster, as well as carrying out high visibility patrols to offer reassurance.

“Please, if you know anything that can help us put this man behind bars, get in touch. If you would rather give information anonymously, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”